Latest news with #American-designed
Business Insider
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Russia appears to be launching its exploding Shahed-style drones from American-designed pickup trucks
Newly aired state media footage showed Russia operating what look to be American-designed Ram pickup trucks with Shahed-style drones ready for launch in the back. Zvezda, the Russian defense ministry's TV channel, released a video on Sunday spotlighting the large Yelabuga drone factory in the Tatarstan region, which is where the domestically produced version of the Shahed-136 is built. While the footage primarily focuses on intricate manufacturing processes inside the sprawling factory, it also offers insight into how the deadly and highly destructive drones, known by the Russian designation Geran-2, can be launched. The video shows at least one clearly identified American-designed Ram truck, with a drone mounted on the bed, charging down a runway-style strip of road surrounded by large mounds of dirt that could be designed to protect the site from attacks. Additional frames in the footage show several drones taking off from unidentified black trucks with steep climbs, resembling airplanes. At another point, the video shows five stationary black pickup trucks, all with drones mounted on the back. It also reveals the storage shelters in which the drones are kept before their potential use in the strikes against Ukraine. Like other truck-mounted launchers, the vehicles provide a flexible and mobile launch option. 🔴 This is how the Russian forces launch Shahed drones to attack Ukraine, using American Dodge pickup trucks, as seen in videos released by Russian state media. — UNITED24 Media (@United24media) July 20, 2025 The exact make and model of all the pickup trucks featured in Zvezda's footage are unclear. Stellantis, a multinational automotive group that owns Ram, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The Iranian-made Shahed-136 is a one-way attack drone, or loitering munition, that can linger in the air for a period of time before diving down at its target and exploding on impact. Russia started using the Iranian-imported Shaheds to attack Ukraine in 2022, but it has since started producing them at home. The Yelabuga factory — which is more than 1,000 miles from Ukraine's border — opened in 2023, allowing Moscow to rapidly scale up drone production without relying on Tehran. Ukraine has targeted the Yelabuga factory with long-range drones on multiple occasions. Russia uses the Shahed-style drones in nightly attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The bombardments have grown in size in recent months, with some consisting of hundreds of attack and decoy drones — the latter are designed to exhaust Kyiv's increasingly strained air defenses. Some recent Western assessments suggest that Moscow may eventually be able to launch thousands of drones in a single night, a bombardment that could greatly overwhelm Ukraine's already heavily exhausted air defenses. Ukrainians have said Russia has introduced new tactics with its Shaheds, making their attacks more complicated, and have modified the drones to make them deadlier, including by swapping out the standard explosive payloads for thermobaric warheads.
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
US cars struggle in Japan, account for under 8% of imports
Agencies Just 7.8 percent of imported cars sold in Japan from January to June were from U.S.-branded automakers, industry data showed Friday, demonstrating the weak domestic demand for American-designed vehicles. Only 9,517 U.S.-branded vehicles were sold in Japan in the period, undercutting U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that more Japanese should be buying American imports to address his nation's trade deficit. Of the 121,243 units sold in the six-month period, Jeep -- owned by Netherlands-based multinational Stellantis NV -- was the best-selling U.S.-brand at 4,333 units, followed by General Motors Co's Chevrolet and Cadillac at 283 and 185, respectively, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said. In contrast, German brand Mercedes-Benz alone sold 25,015 vehicles in the period, with 90.4 percent of the cars imported to Japan coming from European manufacturers. Tesla Inc of the United States does not disclose sales by country, but takes up almost all of the 'others' category at 4,589 units, an association official said. The EV maker's imports were included in the U.S. figure. Despite their dire position, demand for American brands is growing, rising 17.2 percent from a year earlier, reflecting the popularity of new Cadillac and Jeep EVs, the association official said. Japan's imports of U.S. cars have been a focus in the ongoing negotiations over Trump's tariffs, with the president expressing dissatisfaction that so few U.S. cars are seen on Japanese roads. He has blamed Japanese nontariff barriers, such as differences in safety tests, for the situation. Japan, which does not impose tariffs on imported cars, says its rules and standards are in line with United Nations regulations, and that it does not implement particularly strict rules on such vehicles. Auto analysts say Japanese buyers are not attracted to the types of vehicle typically offered by American automakers, such as large pick-up trucks, with domestic consumers preferring smaller vehicles due to Japan's narrow roads. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said in parliament earlier this year that foreign automakers need to be mindful of Japanese consumers' preference for right-hand drive, fuel-efficient vehicles. 'Foreign automakers have to produce cars that suit Japanese consumers and that is up to American companies,' Ishiba said, adding that limited dealer networks are also a crucial factor contributing to aversion to U.S. brands. Foreign carmaker officials in Japan agree with Ishiba's assessment, with some stressing the key to expansion is to study and respond to domestic preferences and also to engage continuously with buyers through dealerships. 'Our strength is accessibility with a network of 200 stores nationwide, allowing people in Japan to casually visit and experience (our cars) hands-on,' said Takeshi Sawamura, senior manager at Volkswagen Group Japan K.K.'Japan's regulations are sometimes noted as nontariff barriers but the rules are moving toward' the global standard, Sawamura said. 'What matters is whether we can produce cars that suit the Japanese market.' Jin Narita, head of Stellantis Japan Ltd -- which owns Italian, French and U.S. brands including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroensaid the company prioritizes having a wide range of products that are attractive to many Japanese drivers. 'Stellantis cars are positioned between domestic makers' models and premium models. We offer unique models, such as Jeep that appeal' to consumers' adventurous side, Narita said.
Japan Today
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Today
U.S.-brand car sales lag in Japan, highlighting lack of demand
Just 7.8 percent of imported cars sold in Japan from January to June were from U.S.-branded automakers, industry data showed Friday, demonstrating the weak domestic demand for American-designed vehicles. Only 9,517 U.S.-branded vehicles were sold in Japan in the period, undercutting U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that more Japanese should be buying American imports to address his nation's trade deficit. Of the 121,243 units sold in the six-month period, Jeep -- owned by Netherlands-based multinational Stellantis NV -- was the best-selling U.S.-brand at 4,333 units, followed by General Motors Co's Chevrolet and Cadillac at 283 and 185, respectively, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said. In contrast, German brand Mercedes-Benz alone sold 25,015 vehicles in the period, with 90.4 percent of the cars imported to Japan coming from European manufacturers. Tesla Inc of the United States does not disclose sales by country, but takes up almost all of the "others" category at 4,589 units, an association official said. The EV maker's imports were included in the U.S. figure. Despite their dire position, demand for American brands is growing, rising 17.2 percent from a year earlier, reflecting the popularity of new Cadillac and Jeep EVs, the association official said. Japan's imports of U.S. cars have been a focus in the ongoing negotiations over Trump's tariffs, with the president expressing dissatisfaction that so few U.S. cars are seen on Japanese roads. He has blamed Japanese nontariff barriers, such as differences in safety tests, for the situation. Japan, which does not impose tariffs on imported cars, says its rules and standards are in line with United Nations regulations, and that it does not implement particularly strict rules on such vehicles. Auto analysts say Japanese buyers are not attracted to the types of vehicle typically offered by American automakers, such as large pick-up trucks, with domestic consumers preferring smaller vehicles due to Japan's narrow roads. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said in parliament earlier this year that foreign automakers need to be mindful of Japanese consumers' preference for right-hand drive, fuel-efficient vehicles. "Foreign automakers have to produce cars that suit Japanese consumers and that is up to American companies," Ishiba said, adding that limited dealer networks are also a crucial factor contributing to aversion to U.S. brands. Foreign carmaker officials in Japan agree with Ishiba's assessment, with some stressing the key to expansion is to study and respond to domestic preferences and also to engage continuously with buyers through dealerships. "Our strength is accessibility with a network of 200 stores nationwide, allowing people in Japan to casually visit and experience (our cars) hands-on," said Takeshi Sawamura, senior manager at Volkswagen Group Japan K.K. "Japan's regulations are sometimes noted as nontariff barriers but the rules are moving toward" the global standard, Sawamura said. "What matters is whether we can produce cars that suit the Japanese market." Jin Narita, head of Stellantis Japan Ltd -- which owns Italian, French and U.S. brands including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen -- said the company prioritizes having a wide range of products that are attractive to many Japanese drivers. "Stellantis cars are positioned between domestic makers' models and premium models. We offer unique models, such as Jeep that appeal" to consumers' adventurous side, Narita said. © KYODO
The Mainichi
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Mainichi
US-brand car sales lag in Japan, highlighting lack of demand
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Just 7.8 percent of imported cars sold in Japan from January to June were from U.S.-branded automakers, industry data showed Friday, demonstrating the weak domestic demand for American-designed vehicles. Only 9,517 U.S.-branded vehicles were sold in Japan in the period, undercutting U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that more Japanese should be buying American imports to address his nation's trade deficit. Of the 121,243 units sold in the six-month period, Jeep -- owned by Netherlands-based multinational Stellantis NV -- was the best-selling U.S.-brand at 4,333 units, followed by General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet and Cadillac at 283 and 185, respectively, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said. In contrast, German brand Mercedes-Benz alone sold 25,015 vehicles in the period, with 90.4 percent of the cars imported to Japan coming from European manufacturers. Tesla Inc. of the United States does not disclose sales by country, but takes up almost all of the "others" category at 4,589 units, an association official said. The EV maker's imports were included in the U.S. figure. Despite their dire position, demand for American brands is growing, rising 17.2 percent from a year earlier, reflecting the popularity of new Cadillac and Jeep EVs, the association official said. Japan's imports of U.S. cars have been a focus in the ongoing negotiations over Trump's tariffs, with the president expressing dissatisfaction that so few U.S. cars are seen on Japanese roads. He has blamed Japanese nontariff barriers, such as differences in safety tests, for the situation. Japan, which does not impose tariffs on imported cars, says its rules and standards are in line with United Nations regulations, and that it does not implement particularly strict rules on such vehicles. Auto analysts say Japanese buyers are not attracted to the types of vehicle typically offered by American automakers, such as large pick-up trucks, with domestic consumers preferring smaller vehicles due to Japan's narrow roads. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said in parliament earlier this year that foreign automakers need to be mindful of Japanese consumers' preference for right-hand drive, fuel-efficient vehicles. "Foreign automakers have to produce cars that suit Japanese consumers and that is up to American companies," Ishiba said, adding that limited dealer networks are also a crucial factor contributing to aversion to U.S. brands. Foreign carmaker officials in Japan agree with Ishiba's assessment, with some stressing the key to expansion is to study and respond to domestic preferences and also to engage continuously with buyers through dealerships. "Our strength is accessibility with a network of 200 stores nationwide, allowing people in Japan to casually visit and experience (our cars) hands-on," said Takeshi Sawamura, senior manager at Volkswagen Group Japan K.K. "Japan's regulations are sometimes noted as nontariff barriers but the rules are moving toward" the global standard, Sawamura said. "What matters is whether we can produce cars that suit the Japanese market." Jin Narita, head of Stellantis Japan Ltd. -- which owns Italian, French and U.S. brands including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen -- said the company prioritizes having a wide range of products that are attractive to many Japanese drivers. "Stellantis cars are positioned between domestic makers' models and premium models. We offer unique models, such as Jeep that appeal" to consumers' adventurous side, Narita said.
Kyodo News
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Kyodo News
U.S.-brand car sales lag in Japan, highlighting lack of demand
TOKYO - Just 7.8 percent of imported cars sold in Japan from January to June were from U.S.-branded automakers, industry data showed Friday, demonstrating the weak domestic demand for American-designed vehicles. Only 9,517 U.S.-branded vehicles were sold in Japan in the period, undercutting U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that more Japanese should be buying American imports to address his nation's trade deficit. Of the 121,243 units sold in the six-month period, Jeep -- owned by Netherlands-based multinational Stellantis NV -- was the best-selling U.S.-brand at 4,333 units, followed by General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet and Cadillac at 283 and 185, respectively, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said. In contrast, German brand Mercedes-Benz alone sold 25,015 vehicles in the period, with 90.4 percent of the cars imported to Japan coming from European manufacturers. Tesla Inc. of the United States does not disclose sales by country, but takes up almost all of the "others" category at 4,589 units, an association official said. The EV maker's imports were included in the U.S. figure. Despite their dire position, demand for American brands is growing, rising 17.2 percent from a year earlier, reflecting the popularity of new Cadillac and Jeep EVs, the association official said. Japan's imports of U.S. cars have been a focus in the ongoing negotiations over Trump's tariffs, with the president expressing dissatisfaction that so few U.S. cars are seen on Japanese roads. He has blamed Japanese nontariff barriers, such as differences in safety tests, for the situation. Japan, which does not impose tariffs on imported cars, says its rules and standards are in line with United Nations regulations, and that it does not implement particularly strict rules on such vehicles. Auto analysts say Japanese buyers are not attracted to the types of vehicle typically offered by American automakers, such as large pick-up trucks, with domestic consumers preferring smaller vehicles due to Japan's narrow roads. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said in parliament earlier this year that foreign automakers need to be mindful of Japanese consumers' preference for right-hand drive, fuel-efficient vehicles. "Foreign automakers have to produce cars that suit Japanese consumers and that is up to American companies," Ishiba said, adding that limited dealer networks are also a crucial factor contributing to aversion to U.S. brands. Foreign carmaker officials in Japan agree with Ishiba's assessment, with some stressing the key to expansion is to study and respond to domestic preferences and also to engage continuously with buyers through dealerships. "Our strength is accessibility with a network of 200 stores nationwide, allowing people in Japan to casually visit and experience (our cars) hands-on," said Takeshi Sawamura, senior manager at Volkswagen Group Japan K.K. "Japan's regulations are sometimes noted as nontariff barriers but the rules are moving toward" the global standard, Sawamura said. "What matters is whether we can produce cars that suit the Japanese market." Jin Narita, head of Stellantis Japan Ltd. -- which owns Italian, French and U.S. brands including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen -- said the company prioritizes having a wide range of products that are attractive to many Japanese drivers. "Stellantis cars are positioned between domestic makers' models and premium models. We offer unique models, such as Jeep that appeal" to consumers' adventurous side, Narita said.
